OTC Inside The Beltway: Updates from the Government Shutdown
This week on "Off The Cuff," Melanie and Nalia provide an update on where things stand with funding for federal student aid programs due to the ongoing government shutdown. Nalia begins by debriefing listeners on what has happened with the government shutdown so far, which began on October 1. Melanie then discusses how the shutdown – now entering its third week – is impacting federal student aid, including concerns NASFAA has heard from members, and shares several resources to answer member questions. The team also highlights how the White House's most recent reduction in force (RIF) at the Department of Education (ED), where roughly 20% of staff were laid off, could impact higher education. Nalia also provides an overview of the current appropriations process, where Congress must work together to fund the government for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
Speakers
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| Melanie Storey President and CEO |
Nalia Medina Assistant Director of Government Relations |
Maria Carrasco Reporter |
This episode is brought to you by Georgetown University
Today’s episode of "Off the Cuff" is brought to you by Georgetown University. Want to take higher education even higher? Earn an Online Master’s in Higher Education Administration from the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.
For more information, or to apply, visit scs.Georgetown.edu/higher.
Resources
- Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
- Episode Transcript (PDF)
- Final FY 25 Funding and FY 26 Budget Proposals Chart
- ED Details Contingency Planning In Case of a Government Shutdown
- FSA Details Shutdown's ‘Minimal’ Impact on Operations
- (GENERAL-25-42) Government Lapse in Appropriations – Federal Student Aid Processing and Customer Service Guidance
- Education Department Lays Off Roughly 20% of Its Workforce Amid Shutdown
- Judge Blocks Trump Admin from Laying Off Federal Workers During Government Shutdown
- ED Officially Launches 2026-27 FAFSA Ahead of October 1 Deadline
- NASFAA 101: Making the Most of Your Membership
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Publication Date: 10/17/2025